. M.T. ON EL-ADEM - BIR-EL-GUBI ROAD — Operations

Operational Record

Duty: Medium level bombing. M.T. on El-Adem - Bir-el-Gubi Road.
Committed: 9 Glenn Martin Maryland
Airborne: 1110 hrs
Returned: 1355 hrs
From: L.G. 76
Map: Salum - Tobruk 1: 250,000
Day / night: Day
Casualties: –
Air defences: –

Again at very short notice, nine Marylands set off to rendezvous with a large number of Fighters at Madalena. From there they flew to El-Adem, to attack M.T. on the road going South to Bir-el-Gubi. The attack carried out at the comparatively low height of 2000 ft., was continued until all bombs had been released. There was a fair number of M.T. on the road itself, and rather more dispersed in groups, on each side. Individual aiming was the rule, and Observer released whenever a worth while target showed up. Two direct hits on M.T. were made, and several near misses amongst groups of trucks. No tanks were seen. Soon after leaving El-Adem one Maryland was seen to be on fire (Starboard engine). It remained with the formation for a considerable time, and was last seen near the ground many miles South East of Bir-El-Gubi, escorted by two of our Fighters. Later information is to the effect that it forced landed without injury to crew, on our side. On approaching the target, nine big guns were seen below the escarpment, North of El-Adem. Much M.T. and a few A.F.V.s were observed in wadis North West of El-Adem, and more M.T. on all approaches to El-Adem - estimated total, 600. Good photographs were taken.